Remembering South Tyneside in 2021 as we celebrated the return of hugging and going back into pubs
The time when we could all go back into the pub - and hug our friends again
South Tyneside was preparing itself for a new normal 5 years ago this week when a big announcement was made.
The then Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that lockdown restrictions in England would ease further in May 2021 in stage 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown.
An announcement was made on May 12 that pubs and restaurants could serve customers indoors, although they would be limited to table service.
Cinemas, museums and theatres could reopen with capacity limits and both hugging and shaking hands was an option, although officials suggested people should consider getting tested for coronavirus first.
They were unprecedented times and the Shields Gazette reporters went out and about to get the opinions of locals when the changes came into effect on May 17, 2021.
Shoppers were out in steady numbers in King Street, while midday punters began to fill up some of the town centre’s long-empty public houses.
A Gazette report at the time said: “As one punter outside the Brigham and Cowan social club – which welcomed dozens back for daytime bingo put it: “It’s just nice to see faces again.”
At the nearby Wetherspoon’s pub The Wouldhave, the doors were open from 8am. "Not everyone realised we were open at eight today, I don’t think,” said manager Phil Riddle at the time. “So breakfast was a bit quieter than maybe we'd expected. But it’s been pretty full since, so fingers crossed it stays that way.”
The Gazette also reported on the concerns expressed by many people about a new strain of coronavirus called the ‘India variant’ and what implications it could have.
Our report from 2021 added: “Norman and Joyce Crosby, who were enjoying coffee and fleeting bursts of sunshine outside Charleston’s Coffee House, have both received their two Covid jabs but they are still apprehensive about returning to indoor hospitality venues.
Mr Crosby said: “For now, we’d rather not take any chances and will stick with being outside.”
Tell us what you remember of the lifting of lockdown restrictions in 2021 and who the first person was that you shared a hug with.
Share your memories by emailing [email protected]